Todays most talked about subject in UK affiliate marketing circles is this stange quote from Nick Robertson CEO of ASOS which appeared in NewMediaAge magazine

“Next year we’ll reintroduce affiliate marketing but as it should be, as opposed to affiliates as they were� said Nick Robertson, ASOS CEO. “(There’ll be) no silly commissions being paid to grubby little people in grubby studios growing income at our expense, getting in the way of genuine sales�

I’m flabbergasted that anyone should choose to announce the intention to relaunch an affiliate programme with such a blatant attack on the very people that will be required to generate sales.

Unless Mr Robertson issues a public apology I most certainly will be joining the rapidly increasing body of affiliates who will not be working with ASOS.

This first came to my attention via a thread started by hpops on the a4uforum

Since then comments have appeared on many of the leading UK affiliate blogs:

Nick Robertson’s ASOS Clanger » Chris Frost - Web Affiliate Blog
Nick Robertson from ASOS is ignorant, rude and I will never promote ASOS again » Affiliate Marketing Blog from UK Offer Media
Astonishing quote from ASOS CEO » James Little on exwebjunkie.com
Grubby Little Affiliates Get In Way Of Sales! » Jason Dale - One Little Duck - Affiliate Blog
Nick Robertson from ASOS » Fraser’s Affiliate Marketing Blog

Popularity: 15% [?]

The forthcoming UK affiliate marketing event in Newcastle followed by optional cruise to Amsterdam is one of the biggest ever to be organised in the UK, however just announced today is news that will blow that out of the water (excuse the pun) affiliates4u of a4uforum fame are organising the inaugural a4uexpo a 2 day extravaganza set to take place in London in October.

Full press release below.

The UK Affiliate Marketing sector is set to get its very own industry specific Conference, Exhibition and Awards with the launch of a4uexpo in October.

The two day event, which will take place at ExCeL London from October 25 – 26, is being co-ordinated by affiliates4u, founders of the widely-respected a4uForum, the UK’s No.1 portal for Affiliate Marketing.

Building on a4uForum’s successful series of Networking events, a4uexpo will provide a more structured and formal educational Conference programme as well as a carefully-selected Exhibition and dedicated Awards Ceremony.

Matthew Wood, founder of affiliates4u, says: “a4uForum has been part of the Affiliate Marketing scene for the past seven years and has been a pivotal part of the sector, providing a focal point for affiliates to meet, share experience and do business together.�

“During this time, the industry has also seen significant development & growth and now worth over £2bn, it is absolutely the right time for this channel to have its very own professional, educational event.�

a4uexpo will represent the only UK-based affiliate specific event and aims to bring together all those working in or around the sector in a professional environment to hear about & debate the key issues currently facing the channel. A full Conference programme will run over both days, with a collection of top speakers working across the sector, as well as specific Workshop sessions.

The a4uexpo Exhibition will run alongside the Conference programme with 50 relevant businesses having the opportunity to showcase their services, and on the evening of October 25, a4uexpo will also hold its own inaugural Affiliate Awards which will spotlight the very best Affiliates, Agencies, Networks, Suppliers and most importantly, the innovation currently found in the sector at present.

Matthew adds: “The a4uexpo Awards won’t be token gestures.  These Awards will be driven by nominations from those working in the industry and therefore will be a true reflection of the best in the business, the visionary thinking and the expertise & knowledge found out there.�

Attendance at a4uexpo will include access to all of the Conference and Workshop sessions, the Exhibition and Awards Ceremony, as well as complimentary refreshments and lunches on both days. Those interesting in attending should register via www.a4uexpo.com.

Matthew concludes: “a4uexpo will be a platform to inform, educate and inspire.  Our aim is provide the industry with its very own event, hence the tagline ‘It’s your industry, get involved!’. We want to achieve a visionary and inspirational ambience with structured and informal networking, business dealing and fun. But most importantly, we also hope that this event will act to raise the profile of Affiliate Marketing in general.�

Popularity: 17% [?]

A short guide to marketing.

Direct Marketing
You see a fabulous girl/guy at a party. You approach them and say, “I’m fantastic in bed.”

Advertising
You’re at a party with a bunch of friends and see a fabulous girl/guy. You have one of your friends’ approach them, point at you and say, “She’s/He’s fantastic in bed.”

Telemarketing
You see a fabulous girl/guy at a party. You approach them to get their telephone number. The next day you call and say, “Hi, I’m fantastic in bed.”

Public Relations
You’re at a party and see a fabulous girl/guy. You get up, straighten your clothes, walk up and pour them a drink. You open the door, pick up their bag after it drops, offer them a ride, and then say, “By the way, I’m fantastic in bed.”

Brand Recognition
You’re at a party and see a fabulous girl/guy. They walk up to you and say, “I hear you’re fantastic in bed.”

Popularity: 12% [?]

March already and I’ve not been to an affiliate marketing event since the Buy.at party back in November well that is going to be put to rights big style on 28th March when the one of the biggest ever UK affiliate networking events is held at Newcastle Upon Tyne on board the DFDS Seaways m.s Queen Of Scandinavia. Followed by an optional Cruise to Amsterdam a City that I’ve never visited so I’m well up for that.

This event will be huge organised by DFDS Seaways and A4uEvents, the agenda is as follows:

28th March
• 10.30am Board the DFDS Seaways cruise ship. Delegates will be greeted onboard by DFDS Seaways staff.
• 10.30 - 11.30 Registration & general networking
• 12.00 - 13.00 Guest Speaker Martin Murray CEO of Interactive
• 13.15 - 14.00 Buffet lunch
• 14.00 - 16.00 Workshops
• 16.00 - 17.00 General networking

Disembark or stay onboard for complimentary cruise to Amsterdam with entertainment & activities.

29th March
• 9.30am Arrive in Amsterdam
• 16.30 Board the boat to return to Newcastle to arrive at 9.30am 30th March.

To find out more and register go to a4uevents.com

Popularity: 15% [?]

One of the channels on Internet Marketing Blogs UK that is sparsely populated is the one for Merchants so far we only have:

• AbeBooks Affiliates Blog
• Amazon.co.uk Associates Blog
• Hoseasons Affiliate Marketing Blog
• The Firebox.com Affiliate Blog

also there are two more blogs that I’ve added to the mix although they are essentially product review blogs rather than being affiliate focused, still useful reading though

• RedSave Reviews
• Thomson Holidays Blog

If you are or know of a UK merchant that blogs, please drop me a line leave a comment here or use the contact form on either site.

Mind you if the merchants channel is sparse the networks channel is worse, totally empty with tumble weeds blowing through it. Nearest we have to a UK Network Blog is that by Clarke Duncan of Paid On Results which as a category devoted to his network.

So who will be the first UK network to have a dedicated affiliate focused blog? I noticed recently that Affiliate Window were signed up at Affiliatemanagement.net so it could be them however maybe someone will beat them to it.

Popularity: 45% [?]